8 Kitchen Design Mistakes To Avoid

Do you have big plans for remodeling your kitchen? Renovating your kitchen can be a fun and exciting time for you if you plan properly and stay within your budget. When undergoing such a large project, you might want to avoid some common mistakes while designing a kitchen of your dreams.

Mistake No.1

Spending It All In One Place

One of the most common mistakes is not planning the budget enough to cover for unforeseen expenses and circumstances that may crop up during your project. As a general rule for this remodeling project, plan for 80% of your budget to go to the remodeling itself and 20% for unforeseen circumstances.

Mistake No. 2

Hiring The Wrong Contractor For The Work

It is wise that you choose a contractor who in an expert with kitchens. Some contractors have different areas of specialty and may not know other areas as well as others. Be sure to also ask for recommendations from other people.

Mistake No.3

Choosing The Latest Design Fads For Your Kitchen

The latest is design fads might look good at the moment; however, over the years, these designs seem to lose their appeal. Remember the days of Mosaic daisies on the wall and Avocado green cabinets? While they were considers the latest in kitchen design in their day, they are now considered a designing nightmare by today's standards. A very wise choice to consider when renovating your kitchen is to go for a classic, timeless and practical look.

Mistake No. 4

Over-customizing And Not Being Flexible In Your Plans

Difficult and over specialized items can be a logistical nightmare for both you and your contractor. Not only are they very expensive, they are difficult as well as time consuming to replace. Plumbing, appliances and lighting fixtures should be reparable and easy to replace. Unless you have the money, it is wise to remain flexible regarding the materials and the design for your new kitchen.

Mistake No. 5

Changing the Plans

Changing your kitchen design plans once the work has already begun will cost you more money. Due to the materials have already been orders and the measurements have been calculated, it will make things more difficult for you and your contractor.

Mistake No. 6

Letting A Designer Design Your Kitchen Without Your Input

Your designers taste in design may not match your own ideas on what you want your kitchen to look like. By not expressing what you want, you might not be happy with your overall result. Be sure you work with your designer and to stay involved throughout the process.

Mistake No. 7

Inaccurate Measurements

Mistakes in measurements can take a toll of an customers wallet. Make sure that the contractor takes responsibility for any inaccuracies in measurement or factory flaws before you sign a contract.

Mistake No 8

Investing Too Much Into A Project

An average kitchen makeover adds only 8% to the market value; however, you should not invest more than 20% of the current market value of your home. A well done kitchen renovation worth at least 5% of the value of your home.

Another thing to consider when remodeling your kitchen is to work out a payment plan with your contractor and make sure that the majority of the balance is paid off when the work is done. It is also a good idea to evaluate the work in progress as well as testing the finished product. Lastly, if you know of anybody who has renovated their kitchens, make sure you ask them about their remodeling experiences and what they like and didn't like about them.

As with renovating any other room, remodeling your kitchen is a large investment that will add to the market value of your home. By avoiding costly mistakes, you can also avoid the headaches of a remodeling project gone wrong.


© 2007 Tim Sousa - All rights reserved